It’s a busy week in Central New York with local favorites returning to the area.
Oswego’s Harborfest is known to draw in thousands from near and far to mingle and enjoy live entertainment on the waterfront. This year marks the festival’s 35th anniversary, and free shuttle rides to and from the festival site will be provided.
Rain or shine, KRockathon is guaranteed to rock on. The concert returns to Syracuse this year with several bands on the lineup: Puddle of Mudd, Hoobastank, Stabbing Westward, Nonpoint, Boy Hits Car and Brand New Sin.
Syracuse’s Arts & Crafts Festival is a three-day affair. Local artisans and vendors will have almost anything one could imagine, from organic soaps and home goods to uniquely crafted art pieces.
Check out our list of events here or check out your community’s Facebook pages for more.
Know of an event you would like to see on this list? Email us at least two weeks in advance at features@syracuse.com.
Monday
Moonlight Movie Series
Presented by Drakos Pediatric Urgent Care and Bill Rapp of Syracuse, this family-friendly event is the perfect way to start the week. Come and watch Disney’s “Coco” and “Halloweentown” on the big screens. Popcorn, food and snack vendors will be available. Youth attendees are encouraged to dress in their favorite Halloween costume.
Where: Empower Amphitheater at Lakeview
When: 6 p.m. Monday
How much: Free
Loading Dock Series with Transient Kicks
Transient Kicks is a rock band based in Syracuse that blends genres such as funk, jazz, bluegrass, folk, R&B, groove, soul and blues. Their music style is guaranteed to get you out of your seat and moving to the beat. RSVP here.
Where: Middle Ages Beer Hall
When: 4 p.m. Monday
How much: Free
Tuesday
The Flaming Lips: Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots
The Flaming Lips are an American rock band that was formed in Norman, Oklahoma in 1983. The band is most known for their song, “Do You Realize??” and “Approaching Pavonis Mons by Balloon (Utopia Planitia),” which won them their first Grammy award. Their live shows feature costumes, balloons and front man Wayne Coyne’s signature man-sized plastic bubble. Tickets can be purchased here.
Where: Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, LaFayette
When: 7 p.m. Tuesday
How much: $61
Wednesday
Earth Wind & Fire with Chicago
Earth, Wind & Fire is a disco-funk-R&B group known for “September,” “Serpentine Fire,” “Shining Star,” “Got to Get You Into My Life,” “Boogie Wonderland” and “Let’s Groove.” Fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Chicago, a.k.a. the “rock and roll band with horns,” plays songs like “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Make Me Smile” and “You’re the Inspiration.”
Where: Broadview Stage at SPAC, Saratoga Springs
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday
How much: Tickets can be purchased here.
Thursday
Harborfest
The waterfront, four-day festival in Oswego is best known for its massive fireworks displays over Lake Ontario. But the days are filled with food, music, carnival games, rides, and helicopter trips. Bring your little ones to children’s attractions earlier in the day for performances by Peppa Pig, Circus Stella, and Farmer Tom to name a few. Headlining bands include Atlas, Rydher, and Zac Brown Tribute Band.
Where: Breitbeck Park, Oswego
When: Thursday through Sunday. Fireworks are 9:30 p.m. Saturday
How much: Free
Movie Night at the MOST – “Ratatouille”
The 2007 Pixar movie “Ratatouille” will be shown on the Museum of Science and Technology’s National Grid ExploraDome at 6 p.m. Thursday. The story follows a young rat named Remy who dreams of becoming a chef at Auguste Gusteau’s restaurant. Popcorn, candy, and drinks are available for purchase. The movie costs $6 per person (no museum admission) and can be purchased here. Admission to the museum, which will be open until 8 p.m., is $12 youth/seniors, $14 adults.
Where: 500 South Franklin Street, Syracuse
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
How much: $6
Friday
Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival
More than 150 artisans and craftspeople from across the country and Canada will descend on downtown Syracuse to hawk their wares, selling everything from art to furniture to clothing to jewelry.
Where: Columbus Circle and surrounding streets, downtown Syracuse
When: Opens at 10 a.m. Friday to Sunday
How much: Free
Syracuse Ukrainian Festival
This annual event provides an excellent opportunity to learn about Ukrainian culture and food, including potato-stuffed pyrohy, holubtsi cabbage rolls, kielbasa smoked sausage rolls and borscht. The festival includes craft vendors, Ukrainian choral performances, and dance numbers from the Syracuse Ukrainian Cultural Center’s ODESA dance group. There is free parking across from the Ukrainian National Home on West Fayette and the church’s doors will be open for anyone who wishes to see the inside.
Where: St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church on Tipperary Hill
When: Starts at 4 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday
How much: Free
National Summer Ayrshire Spectacular
Watch farmers from around the country compete to showcase their “top-notch” cattle for judging and coveted titles. For more information, visit https://www.ayrshirespectacular.com/.
Where: NYS Fairgrounds, Beef Barn
When: 2 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday
How much: Free
Big Apple Shoot Out Horse Show
This three-day show is for Appaloosa lovers. The Big Apple Shoot Out show offers numerous High Point and Reserve High Point Awards in specific divisions, focusing on Youth, Non-Pro/Amateur, and Beginner exhibitors. The show includes classes for all breed-open and approved appaloosa horse club riders. More information can be found on their website.
Where: NYS Fairgrounds, Toyota Coliseum
When: Starts 7 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday
How much: Free
‘GREASE’ the Musical
Break out the poodle skirts and leather jackets, because this American classic is coming to Syracuse! Enjoy “Greased Lightning,” “Summer Nights,” “Hand Jive,” and “You’re the One That I Want” with Danny, Sandy, and the rest of the Greasers and Pink Ladies for unbridled fun, dancing, and rock n’ roll!
Where: The Oncenter’s Bevard Studio, Syracuse
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday
How much: $36
Antique and Classic Boat Show
Visitors to the show in Skaneateles will be able to view and meet the owners of some 80 runabouts, launches, sailboats, canoes, rowing craft and race boats, many restored to their original condition. A boat parade, live music performances and guided village tours are available for all to enjoy.
Where: Clift Park, Skaneateles
When: Friday at 3 p.m., Saturday at 9 a.m., Sunday at 8 a.m.
How much: Free
Northeast Jazz & Wine Festival
The two-day event presented annually by CNY Jazz as the performing arts anchor of Artsweek in Downtown Syracuse is relocating just three blocks down Salina Street. The Landmark Theater will host the festival’s main stage and a second stage on the mezzanine level. Wines from around the world will be served, as well as beers and whiskeys. Headliners include jazz and Broadway vocalist Shayna Steele and soul band The Family Stone. There will be strolling musicians on Jefferson Street from 7 to 11 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights.
Where: Landmark Theatre, Syracuse
When: 5 p.m. Friday and noon Saturday
How much: Free
Saturday
KRockathon Reboot
Local radio station K-Rock is bringing back its storied hard-rock festival. The 2024 rock festival will feature a nostalgic lineup that includes Brand New Sin, Boy Hits Car, Nonpoint, Stabbing Westward, Hoobastank and Puddle of Mudd.
Where: Chevy Court at NYS Fairgrounds
When: 12:30 p.m. Saturday
How much: Tickets range from $49.50-$150. Buy tickets here
Puerto Rican Festival
Come out for a day of fun with live performances, food, local vendors and activities for kids. Dj KidSolo will provide music all day, with afternoon and evening shows by El Batey, Frankie Colon, 4 Latiños Band and La Krema.
Where: Sharkey’s Event Center
When: 1 p.m. Saturday
How much: $5
Artist talk with artist Anthony “T0NEWASH” Washington
In a solo exhibition of 41 mixed media and photography pieces, Syracuse-based artist Anthony Washington offers a unique narrative of his life as a neurodivergent Black man. Inspired by jazz, hip hop and soul, he hopes this exhibit will encourage others to express themselves freely.
Where: Community Folk Art Center
When: 3 p.m. Saturday
Cost: Free
Sunday
Mid Summer Market
As part of the local Arts & Crafts Festival, this is an opportunity to support local vendors who offer handmade crafts, treats and more. The evening will be filled with live entertainment and activities for the family to enjoy.
Where: 201 E Washington St.
When: Sunday at 5 p.m.
Cost: Free
31st Annual Vettes at The Beach
More than 500 Corvettes will be on display on Sunday at Sylvan Beach. The Syracuse Corvette Club’s 31st Annual “Vettes at the Beach,” held between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., is one of the largest Corvette shows in the Northeast. There will be raffles and vendors on site. If you have a Corvette, you can register at the gate for $25. All proceeds from the show will go to local charities. Last year, after expenses, the Syracuse Corvette Club handed out $2000 checks each to 16 local charities. For more information, go to the club’s website. This is a rain or shine event.
Where: Sylvan Beach
When: Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How much: Free to the public. $25 at the gate to show your Corvette.
